Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Epidemiology Unit
Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Pertussis
Pertussis Basics
Pertussis Information for Health Care
Providers & Public Health Professionals
Pertussis Information for Epidemiologists
Pertussis Information for Parents
Georgia Pertussis Statistics
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
 Pertussis,
also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial illness
spread via airborne droplets from the respiratory tract of an infected
person. The disease usually starts with upper respiratory cold-like symptoms
with mild cough. These symptoms then progress over 2 weeks to involve spasms
of severe coughing often followed by a sudden deep inspiration or whoop or
sometimes vomiting. Infection is often milder in teens and adults, who may
spread the disease to infants. Infants under 6 months of age are most at
risk for severe illness and may develop symptoms which may include apnea
instead of cough. Pertussis can be fatal in this age group. The best way to
prevent pertussis is for all children to be fully vaccinated with DTaP and
for adolescents and adults to receive a Tdap booster vaccine. Pertussis is a
notifiable disease and all suspect cases should be reported to the health
department.
- Educational Materials for Patients and Parents
These materials were created by DPH through a partnership with the Georgia
Hospital Association, the Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of
Pediatrics, the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians, and the Georgia
Obstetrical and Gynecological Society. These materials are available to the
medical community and the public in support of
House Bill
249. All materials may be downloaded and duplicated for individual or
medical facility use. Materials are not available to order. If you are a
provider or medical facility interested in co-branding any of the materials,
please Contact Us
- Georgia Pertussis Statistics
- Contact Us:
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